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Are you in love with Tropical Chic? I certainly am! These gorgeous leaves and that beautiful hibiscus are growing all around me, and I have them at my fingertips to ink in any color I like. I’ve chosen two of my favorite flower combinations to grace my September desk:

I inked up each flower and dragged the Blender pen across the center of each one. Then I dripped a little ink from an ink refill into the lid of my ink pad and used an Aquapainter to pick up the intense color and add it to the space I cleared on the stamp. I tried using daubers to add the color, but I couldn’t avoid a really round shape, and this time I was looking for something more linear.

The Tropical Chic stamps and thinlits are available in a discounted bundle. If you’ve been studying your catalogs, you’ll know that the first year stamps and dies are introduced, they’re generally sold individually as well as in the bundle. If they continue beyond that first catalog, the money-saving bundle is discontinued. Conclusion: Buy the bundle when it comes out. (I know, such rocket science.)

Crystal and Cheryl have created September calendars for your inspiration – check them out, and leave a comment if you do!

Blended Seasons is a brand new stamp set (with framelits and a bundle price as well) available exclusively during the month of August. It’s perfect for coloring with Stampin’ Blends, watercolor pencils or brushes, or any other coloring technique you enjoy. I thought I’d see if it would work on a DIY calendar:

I used Gray Granite to ink the outline. It’s not a recommended ink for use with Stampin’ Blends, but I stamped off before I made my impression so there was less ink to smear. The colors I chose didn’t muddy even when I got close enough to the edge for a little blur. I like living on the edge once in a while (lol).

I’d intended to color the flowers, but decided to do the leaves first. As I finished the leaves, I turned the panel and something caught my eye. I decided to leave the blooms white and add a little Wink of Stella as an accent. There’s a native Hawaiian poppy called Pua Kala that looks quite a bit like this flower, and I think that’s what made me stop.

We have a mini-DIY-Easel Calendar tour – stop by and see what Crystal and Cheryl are sharing today. And if you’d like your own Blended Seasons stamp set, shop HERE.

I used Stampin’ Write markers to color the balloons. At first I wasn’t sure I liked the way they appeared, but despite the minor smudges, I’ve changed my mind. They look translucent and reflective, as a proper balloon ought to do.

Stop by and see what Cheryl and Crystal have on tap for July. And if the Elephant Builder Bundle is on your Must Have List, shop HERE.

Like this:

How can it be June already? Crystal got it right: May is like December, but without the presents. And, I might add, without the cookies. The good news is that when the month changes, so does the calendar page:

Stamps: Love What You Do

Color Palette: Whisper White, Poppy Parade, and Lemon Lime Twist

Accessories: Blender Pen, Stampin’ Write marker

I am THRILLED that Poppy Parade has made a return to the Core Colors. It’s always been one of my favorite red tones – that vibrant, orange red that says LOOK AT MEEEE!

There’s a big, gorgeous new 2018-2019 Annual Catalog that goes live today – what’s on your shopping list?? There are so many new colors – returning favorites and brand new shades to love – and I want them all. Ordering begins by noon Mountain Time today (June 1st).

When you place your order, be sure to enter Host Code 32K6EETG for a special new catalog gift. Hint: it’s all about color!

Crystal and Cheryl have June calendars for you too – be sure and stop by!

The bird houses were just a smidge (that is a scientific measurement and it means what it sounds like) too big for the calendar format. After scratching my head for a bit, I came up with the idea of stamping the images in Smokey Slate twice – once on the calendar, and once on a scrap. I fussy cut the houses and lifted them on dimensionals. I was really happy with the way it turned out.

I cut off the rooster weather vane and the little strings on the end of the banner because they were already on the calendar, and they would have been ridiculous to cut out. Even I have my limits.

Cheryl and Crystal have May calendars to inspire you as well – check them out and let them know what you think!

Last month my Host Club members got to play with the Let the Good Times Roll bundle – that’s the one with the roller coaster pop-out. I was a little concerned that they might be annoyed with me, but they all embraced the challenge and created fabulous cards! We had a “creative opportunity” or two but they were all resolved with good humor.

I pre-cut absolutely everything I could so that they could focus on their assembly. You can watch Brandi from Stampin’ Up! in a video HERE on assembling this card type, but I found you just need to manipulate the paper a few times to get the feeling for it. If you have something special you’re going to use to make this card, cut it out in paper you have in abundance and practice, practice, practice! It’s the folding and scoring that takes time and little muscle memory, but it’s not hard. And the results are fabulous – even Mr. Maui Stamper said he’d like to have a couple of these to send!! That is high praise indeed.

Let the Good Times Roll and Thrill Ride are continuing into the 2018-2019 Annual Catalog, but the bundle is NOT. If you want to save, save now!

Petal Passion DSP is also being discontinued (to my great disappointment.) Yes, I have a stash. No, I probably won’t be sharing it. Yes, I probably will hoard it. Sigh.

And welcome to the first of April and our mini-DIY-calendar blog tour! I’m starting to feel anxious about the retirement of the 2016-2018 In Colors (Flirty Flaming, Peekaboo Peach, Dapper Denim, Emerald Envy and Sweet Sugarplum). I’ve used them a lot these past two years, and I’ll miss having them in my color palette. I’m making an effort to use them all I can.

Of course, they’ll still be in my stamp room, but I’ll be stingy with them because I won’t be able to get more paper – or ribbon, or ink refills, or embellishments. Take it from me, you don’t want to wait to stock up on these colors. They often sell out before the end of the catalog!

Petal Palette comes as a bundle with the Petals and More thinlits, and you save 10% when you purchase as a bundle. Since this is an Occasions catalog suite (oh, the DSP!!) it will be available as a bundle only through the end of May. If Stampin’ Up! does choose to include Petal Palette in the 2018-2019 Annual Catalog, it more than likely will not be available as a bundle. The message here is buy it now!

Those little birdie eye-bubs aren’t googlie eyes. They’re our Rhinestone Pearls with an eyeball drawn on in Sharpie. They’re the perfect size for these little birds!

Crystal and Cheryl have calendar inspiration for you too – head on over to see what they’ve designed for April. Ready to shop? Start HERE.